CEV, the employers’ association, is broadening its presence in Alicante. The provincial board approved plans to welcome a broad slate of new organizations, expanding the network by eight new members. With this addition, the association now encompasses sixty-nine regional firms and entities, all coming together to strengthen the local business ecosystem.
The expansion was approved at a Thursday meeting. The decision followed the departure of Luis Rodríguez, who had served as president of the Metal Federation (Fempa). After taking the helm at Alicante Port, he stepped away from his role on the CEV board. Alongside the province’s president, Joaquín Pérez, senior regional leadership, including Salvador Navarro, participated in the decision and spoke about the strategic value of broadening representation at the provincial level.
New members entering CEV include Fuste Group, led by the president of the Hosbec hotel association, and FedFuster, which signals strong support from the tourism and hospitality sector. The addition of this group highlights CEV’s intent to integrate diverse industries and strengthen cross-sector collaboration.
Also joining is a technology and innovation partner, Barrabes, along with the Mediterranean Business Relations platform (REM) and the Miguel Hernández University Foundation. The GNA, which runs the science park and language center, brings research and development depth to the federation. This mix of newcomers underscores CEV’s aim to fuse business, academia, and innovation for regional growth.
Another notable entrant is Sánchez Butrón Lawyers, a prominent law firm aligning with Cayetano Sánchez Butrón, head of Fundesem Business School. The board also approved the entry of Queen’s Capital, the investment firm formerly associated with the Advanced Tertiary Association leader and a partner of Custom Suits, Javier Reina. Rounding out the group, the resources of the group Prensa Ibérica, a media and publishing services company, were welcomed as part of the broader business ecosystem represented by CEV.
In this way, CEV continues to attract fresh backing within the span of six years, seeking to establish a regional employer association that could fill the space once held by Cierval. The latter dissolved during economic turbulence for the region’s business bodies, including the former provincial associations Coepa in Alicante and CEC in Castellón. The current expansion reflects a strategic effort to create a resilient, diversified network that can respond to present-day challenges and opportunities in the Valencian Community and beyond.
Business leaders push for faster progress and simpler rules
From the outset, the project faced questions and some initial hesitation among local businesses. Yet Salvador Navarro’s leadership and clear articulation of benefits helped convert skepticism into cross-sector support. The expansion quickly gained traction among the province’s principal trade associations, and the effort has continued to attract new members. Notably, the inclusion of Uepal—an organization that originally emerged as a parallel voice for employers—demonstrates CEV’s willingness to harmonize diverse viewpoints under a common regional agenda.
Today, the growing federation emphasizes practical actions: streamlining administrative processes, improving access to regional markets, and fostering a collaborative environment where smaller companies can scale alongside larger, established firms. The leadership notes that reducing bureaucratic friction is essential for competitiveness in both national and international markets, including Canada and the United States, where Canadian and American companies increasingly seek partner networks with strong regional presence and proven governance. By aligning with universities, technology hubs, and professional service firms, CEV aims to deliver value that translates into steady job creation, sustainable investment, and stronger regional brands.
Industry observers highlight that the Alicante chapter is becoming a benchmark for regional employer groups across Spain. The strategy emphasizes practical outcomes: joint training programs, shared procurement opportunities, coordinated lobbying efforts for favorable regulations, and enhanced visibility for the province as a hub of innovation and business excellence. As the network grows, member firms gain access to a broader platform for collaboration, capable of turning regional strengths into national and international advantages.
Ultimately, the expansion reflects a broader trend toward integrated business ecosystems where education, research, and industry work in concert. The leaders insist that the goal is not merely to add numbers but to cultivate meaningful alliances that empower firms of all sizes to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. By welcoming diverse sectors—from manufacturing and hospitality to legal services and media—the federation sets a forward-looking course for Alicante and its neighboring provinces.